Looking to start sublimation printing.

[Kevdog]

Hi all, I'll start by saying I don't know very much about sublimation printing and I'm really only showing an intrest because I want to use it for doing garments.

My first question is which A4 printer do you's people recommend as I see Ricoh seems to be mentioned a lot on here I'm looking at the 3110 and the 2100 and been told of the supplier the only difference is the 3110 prints on both sides which I don't obviously need.

Second question, can I print on bother light and dark colours as I need to be able to do bother.
I've tried transfer paper but I'm not to impressed if I was to sell them to the public.

Thanks.

[Justin]

If you're looking at sublimation shirts they need to be white/very light pastel colours with a high polyester content. printing onto 100% polyester will get you the best results but you can print onto 50/50 with a vintage, washed out look.

3110 is a supported printer so tried and tested over a long period. 2110 is being used by some but I know of as many that have failed.

You're just starting out so my advice would be to strongly speak to suppliers about a start up pack. Yes, inks will 'appear' to be expensive compared to eBay offerings but there are good reasons for this. Get yourself up and running and then look at cutting corners!

Are you sure an A4 will be big enough? Not much of a tee print at that size.

Loads of info on here already, always check the 'similar threads' box above your own threads, have a good trawl through and consider our £10 membership, this would give you back the money and much more besides if you buy from one of our supporting suppliers.

[Kevdog]

So I will be restricted to only light colours, I deal with a certain group of people and at the moment I only use htv but I'm being asked more and more for a photo to be used.

You say only 100% polyester but am I not right in saying that you can do 100% cotton by using some kind of polyester type powder activator on the print before you press.

A4 is fine for me yes as what I print needs to be seen, kind of hard to explain what I mean by this.

I have been looking at a printer from a company mentioned on here by a few people. They will supply the printer refill ink cartridges, sublimation inks and a matching ICC profile.